Light Up Your Yard With a Japanese Maple

7. How to Plant a Japanese Maple

Planting should be done in the fall or early spring while the trees are still dormant. Be sure to select a site where the soil drains well, and that is protected from strong winds. A site too sunny can cause burn marks on your leaves, so opt for partial shade when you can. Once you've chosen your spot, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough that the top of the root ball is flush with or just above the hole. Fill in the hole well and tamp it down after making sure the trunk is straight. If you experience high winds, consider staking your young tree to help it get established.